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Thursday, May 2, 2013

POPLARVILLE - Student Support Services participants heard some advice and encouragement Wednesday, May 1, and received awards certificates during the 12th annual recognition luncheon. “You all deserve a lot of congratulations,” said guest speaker Lori Carter of Ocean Springs. “Every day and everywhere you go, there’s going to be an opportunity for you.” Olivia Carter, Lori Carter’s stepdaughter, participates in Student Support Services and received the award for most positive and upbeat student. Lori Carter reminded the students of the importance of being in class or work every day. “To have an opportunity, you have to be there,” she said. “Show up. You never know what’s going to happen. Onward and upward to all of you.” The federally-funded Student Support Services program provides tutoring and other assistance for students with a disability or who are low-income or first-generation college students. “This program is really special to us,” said PRCC President Dr. William Lewis. “Our real hope is that it has helped you put yourself on a path to some real successes in life.” Special award winners were Hallie Mayfield of Hattiesburg, friendliest; Matthew Lee of Carnes and Casey Porter of Poplarville, future leaders; Brad Parker of Poplarville, heart and soul; Myeshia Brown and Christine Ladner, both of Picayune, and Jessie Hicks of Carriere, perseverance; Chastitie Polk of Sumrall and Mahogany Stephens of Picayune, survivors; and Noel DiMarco of Picayune, 110 percent. Ca’Tre Lampton of Prentiss, Lauren Simpson of Covington, La., and Ashley Smith of Poplarville received Transfer Awards because they are transferring to a four-year university next year. Receiving Next Step awards for enrolling in a further education program were Amanda Jordan and Grisella Amado-Somerville, both of Picayune, and Porter. “Their success is our success as a department, a team, a college, a family,” said Dr. Robert Escudero, program director. “We are saying thanks and well-done for all your hard work and accomplishments.” Faculty and staff who received Hero Awards for supporting the program were reading instructora Angie Barber and Sabrina Brown, English instructor Tonyia Benton, physical plant administrative assistant Stacie Blaylock, Development Foundation accountant Shana Breerwood, student accounts clerk Brenda Burge, senior accountant Bettye Clark, information technology director Steve Howard and assistant director Alicia Kimball, Development Foundation administrative assistant Candace Harper, payroll clerk Gwen Hunt, Wellness Center instructor Kay Kammer, ADA coordinator Tonia Moody, graduation clerk Kaye Olsen, grants accountant Julie Ray, early childhood education instructor Sonya Tapper and physical plant director Craig Tynes.

Students, faculty and staff enjoy the 12th annual Student Support Services Recognition Banquet on Wednesday, May 1, at Olivia Bender Cafeteria at Pearl River Community College.

Olivia Carter of Ocean Springs received the Most Positive and Upbeat Award at the Pearl River Community College Student Support Services recognition banquet where her stepmother, Lori Carter, was guest speaker.PRCC Public Relations photo